WITH the Borderlands franchise making big waves on consoles this year, it’s no surprise to see a spin-off app arriving on iPhone and iPad.

Sensibly, developers have opted against attempting a direct copy of the superb shooter, instead plumping for a zoomed-out action-strategy approach where you take control of the four key characters to essentially blast every enemy that you come into contact with.

You build up your skills and arsenal of weapons through achievements and in-game cash collection – fairly standard fare for this type of game.

Sadly, Borderlands unique style just doesn’t translate as well into this side/top-down view.

And there’s a whole host of clunky game mechanics, that might actually make gamers using this as their first foray into the series, think twice about tackling the brilliant shooter on the big consoles. Of course, that would be madness, but isn’t it also a little crazy that such a rich world of looting, exploration and seriously crazy characters hasn’t been fine-tuned for the touchscreen audience?

Definitely an excellent opportunity missed.

RATING: 7/10 – Bored-er Lands

BUY IT: £2.99 at itunes.apple.com

LittleBigPlanet Karting (SCEA, PS3)

SACKBOY is back, and this time he’s challenging Mario for the title of King of the Karts.

Sackboy and Sackgirl hit the starting grid for a brand new karting adventure, which races through your favourite themes from the world of LittleBigPlanet.

Incorporating a variety of gadgets to bounce, grapple or grab your way into first place – everything’s delivered in superb LBP style.

Fantastical track designs give you plenty of challenges as a single racer, but pair up for multiplayer mode and the replay value comes into its own.

Battle with friends in the room or online or venture into the community for player-created tracks. Mario may have pole position, but Sackboy has definitely got the plumber in his sights.